Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is a far-right party driven by euro-scepticism and anti-immigration; the party is now radically shifting Germany’s political state. AfD has recently grown in popularity, catalysed by a combination of public dissatisfaction with the current political system, and endorsements from high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, who called out the party as Germany’s “last spark of hope”. As the country faces economic stagnation alongside frequent recessions, the AfD’s outlandish plans and influence are becoming unavoidable topics of debate. 

Evolution: 

The party was founded in 2013 amid the eurozone crisis, emerging as a ‘protest party’ which opposed Germany’s financial bailouts for struggling southern European economies. However, their trajectory shifted during the 2015 migrant crisis: they adopted a nationalist, anti-immigration approach which seemed to connect with voters who were concerned about cultural identity and economic displacement. A growing lean towards fascism and extreme nationalism is causing concerns for many, who are noticing historical parallels with the Nazi era in the 1920s. However in recent years, as citizens face economic stagnation and grow doubtful of the acting government’s effectiveness, the AfD has found itself in a strong position. It made history by acquiring 38.2% of the vote in Thuringia’s state election – the first far-right state-level victory in Germany since World War II. They have also made notable gains in Saxony, where they came close second. 

Policies: 

Immigration is the core issue behind the AfD’s agenda. They push for the mass expulsion of migrants through stricter border controls, reduced asylum applications, and increased deportations, controversially tagging such policies as ‘remigration’. Their support mainly comes from low-income regions where crime is prominent, and economic frustration fuels the anti-immigration sentiment. The AfD is also using isolated incidents of migrant-related crime to blame migration for the country’s rising crime rates, pushing a narrative of ‘“law and order” to justify stricter policing and surveillance. 

The party also heavily criticises the acting government’s ambitious green energy transition, describing their wind turbines as “windmills of shame”. Acting climate policies are being blamed for their high energy costs that create financial difficulties for the government. In contrast, the party suggests reviving nuclear energy production as a cost-effective alternative, prioritising growth over sustainability. This idea resonates with voters who see climate reforms as expensive and ineffective in solving their immediate social and economic problems. 

On fiscal matters, the AfD advocates for reduced public spending in areas like welfare programs and foreign aid. They are pushing tax cuts to promote domestic growth and reduce financial constraints on German households – who are frustrated with excessive government spending initiatives which require tax rises to compensate. For example, in 2023, the acting government announced plans to abolish tax breaks for farmers and introduced a tax on agricultural vehicles in an effort to reduce the budget deficit. The AfD quickly leveraged this opportunity to rally support among farmers who viewed such measures as unfair. 

Another key part of the AfD’s beliefs is euroscepticism. They have persistently criticised Germany’s financial contributions to the EU and its role in supporting weaker economies. Some allies have even presented the idea of a “Dexit” – Germany withdraws from the EU – though this isn’t a formal proposal from the whole party. They frame the EU as an institution that undermines the country’s sovereignty, holding them back from large amounts of potential growth – a message that resonates with German nationalists. 

Support: 

AfD’s support base highlights a significant gender divide, lower educational faculty, and strong appeal amongst younger citizens of struggling regions. Polls have shown that 26% of men support the AfD compared to only 11% of women, since women tend to prioritise social policies such as healthcare and education rather than being drawn to nationalist, anti-establishment movements. Another strong support group is those with lower levels of education, who often express frustration with Germany’s political and economic system and prioritise personal benefit without acknowledging the country’s broader economic goals. The same is appearing among younger voters, particularly in East Germany, where 36% of under-30s in Thuringia supported the party in the most recent election. This shift signals increasing disillusionment with the mainstream parties, reflecting a growing desire for large political change.  

Controversies & Leadership 

Germany’s far right is one of its strongest polarised influences, frequently clashing with mainstream parties and civil society groups. Public protests are the only thing pushing back against what many see as the normalisation of the far-right, with statements from Holocaust survivors and activists warning the country of the potential threats that may come with their political intentions. Internally, the party is facing factionalism between co-leader Alice Weidel, who embodies a pragmatic and strategic approach, and Björn Höcke – the extremist who openly preaches nationalism and historical revisionist ideas. However, Elon musk, who has recently been strongly advocating for AfD’s policies, has recently endorsed Weidel, bumping her status and positioning her has the current leader of the movement. In general, the AfD seems to be mediating between her moderate approach and Höcke’s more extreme measures, showing clear signs of internal tensions and a lack of clarity within the party’s leadership. 

Impact on Germany 

The AfD’s ascent has forced the orthodox German parties to reconsider their policies and strategies. Immigration is now emerging as a top voter concern, and the AfD’s influence has even pushed the more moderate centre-right to adopt stricter policies on migrant integration. Critics are concerned that this has broken a barrier between their conventional strategies and the legitimization of far-right ideologies. Their voter base is still growing day-by-day, exacerbating the divide between eastern and western Germany (where citizens still support centralist systems) and as other parties are struggling to keep pace, AfD has managed to shift the Overton window, meaning that ideas once discredited are now acceptable in public debate. Moreover, discussions of a complete ban are gaining momentum, with supporters arguing that the extremist movements pose a threat to democracy. However, such a move could backfire and turn the party into a ‘political martyr’, which would further expand the party’s radical influence and societal polarisation.  

Regardless of legal outcomes, the AfD’s ability to channel public frustration suggests that it will remain in the forefront of German politics throughout the next few years, shaping both national and global debates. In order to reduce the party’s influence and prevent their trump, Germany’s acting government must find solutions to the root causes of voter dissatisfaction in the East. Yet, as the 2025 federal elections approach, the AfD’s rising influence leaves Germany’s political future heavily unpredictable.